Vanessa Hudgens auditions for role in 'Twilight' sequel 'New Moon'

Vanessa Hudgens with boyfriend Zac Efron at the In Style/Warner Bros Golden Globes after party.

Credit: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

According to MTV, Vanessa Hudgens has auditioned for a role in the "Twilight" sequel "New Moon." 

Relayed by franchise cast member Ashley Green at an ever reliable Golden Globes after party, word is that Hudgens would play werewolf Leah  Clearwater, a member of Jacob Black's werewolf tribe.  The "New Moon" casting news is coming fast and furious thess days as Taylor Lautner was recently confirmed as returning to the franchise after rumors his petite frame wasn't adequate enough for the role.

In Stephanie Meyer's novels, Clearwater is friend's with Black, but unlike MTV's mistaken insinuation, her heart is broken by Sam, "the alpha wolf" of the bunch, not Black. 

Hudgens, who made her name in the "High School Musical Franchise" and walking the red carpet with her boyfriend Zac Efron, would bring more star and publicity power to a sequel which is already setting up to be one of the biggest films of the second half of the year.  Interestingly, Summit Entertainment knows Hudgens well as she's starring in the company's teen rock flick "Bandslam" opening in theaters this July.

Update: Taylor Lautner spoke to Access Hollywood about his workout regimen to get in shape for the sequel.  Needless to say, he's been training hard.  Check out the video below for more.

"New Moon" is expected to go into production this March in order to make a Nov. 20 release.